The Alternate Stitch

A sock resting on a pillow, symbolizing cushion
Comfort · Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Cushions: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
A complete-ish guide on just what cushioning is, how we make it, and what the benefits are for each type cushioning type we offer. We’ve diversified from straight-up “Cushioned” into multiple types of activity-specific padding. And it starts with Terry loops. 
Ultralight, lightweight, midweight, & heavyweight Merino Wool strands
Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Weights: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 17 weight classes in boxing. Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 4 weight classes in Darn Tough socks. When we talk weight, we are referring to the specific yarn in the sock and the relative thickness of that yarn.
Black and Gray shot of a cow on the farm with cows in the back
Here in VT ·
Vermont Farmers Are Darn Tough
by Darn Tough Vermont
Whether it’s getting stuck behind a tractor, seeing the beautiful red barns tucked into the green mountains, or the weekly farmer’s markets, it's hard to deny how farms have influenced Vermont culture. In our neck of the woods, if you don’t own a farm, chances are you know someone who does.
Two people having drinks in Darn Tough animal socks
Community ·
Which Animal Socks Match Your Personality?
by Michael Seigies

We put together a list in no particular order to help you find animal socks that align with your personality. Whether you’re the type of person who likes farm animals, owl socks, or bear socks, there is a sock on this list for you.

The Support System Behind the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking · Our Partners ·
The Support System Behind the Pacific Crest Trail
by Peyton Hamblin, PCTA
A lot of folks call the Pacific Crest Trail a home away from home. Every year, thousands of eager hikers set their sights on the path ahead, soaking up sunshine, taking on rainstorms, enjoying the unparalleled viewsheds, and inevitably encountering a few hurdles along the way.
Two pairs of feet wearing merino wool hiking socks in brown and pink
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Why You Don’t Want 100% Merino Wool Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont
In this post we’re cover the finer points of sock materials, from yarn selection to construction, answering questions like: Is 100% Merino Wool good quality?
Can you have 100% wool socks? What percent of Merino Wool in socks is best? The answers are more nuanced than you might think.
Emily sitting on her desk wearing her favorite socks with her dog nearby
Here in VT · Staff Picks ·
Staff Picks: New Styles & Colors for 2024
by Darn Tough Vermont
So, for this round of Staff Picks, we took to the knitting floor here in Waterbury to find out which new pairs (and colors) people are most excited about and why.
Runner out on a hot summer day wearing merino wool socks for runners
Merino Wool · Run & Athletic ·
Give Your Feet the Best Summer Ever — by Running in Merino Wool Socks.
by Darn Tough Vermont
If you’re a runner, then your dream summer is likely full of races, training plans, bucket list routes, or adventure runs. But let’s be honest — those plans are probably decided by your brain. What about your feet? When was the last time you asked them about their perfect summer?
Man sitting with water bottle, running shoes and wearing Darn Tough Coolmax socks
Sock 101 ·
Coolmax Socks: What They Are & Why We Knit Them
by Darn Tough Vermont
Merino Wool is the ultimate performance fiber; however not everyone wears Wool. That shouldn't stop you from receiving our Lifetime Guarantee. Learn more about Coolmax, a vegan fiber with similar properties to Merino wool.
Two runners outside running in the winter, with snow falling around them
How-to · Run & Athletic ·
How & Why to Keep Running in Winter
by Darn Tough Vermont
As the temperature drops and snowflakes start to fall, many runners retreat indoors and switch to treadmill workouts for the colder months. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, winter running can be an exciting experience with unique benefits that keeps your fitness routine thriving.
A pile of merino wool fibers, which are super soft, not itchy despite the myth
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
5-ish Merino Wool Myths, Debunked
by Darn Tough Vermont
We take Merino Wool’s reputation seriously. Why don’t more people wear wool socks? We think these common Merino Wool myths have something to do with it.
Becoming High Fives Athlete #110: Q&A with Trevor Kennison
Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Becoming High Fives Athlete #110: Q&A with Trevor Kennison
by Darn Tough Vermont
I am proudly High Fives Athlete number 110. I am an athlete because their mission statement IS my life - I suffered a life altering injury doing what I love outdoors. I am proud to be an ambassador for them because it’s a way I can educate and support people that may or may not be going through something similar.
A tap in a maple tree, collecting sap to make maple syrup
Here in VT · Work ·
Making Maple Syrup in Vermont
by Doug Brown

Sugaring. For those unfamiliar with the word, it is Vermont speak for making maple syrup. But for Vermonters, it is one word that conjures emotional memories of steam-filled cabins and, for those more romantically inclined, a horse towing a tank on a sleigh through a snow-covered forest. 

Jake Blauvelt, professional snowboarder, standing in the snow holding his snowboard
Here in VT · Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Hometown Hero: Q&A with Professional Snowboarder Jake Blauvelt
by Darn Tough Vermont
Born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont, pro snowboarder Jake Blavulet is our hometown hero, so we asked him some questions so you could get to know Jake like we do.
Mirna Valerio out on her skis smiling before she heads down the mountain
Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Winter: How I Became a Skier
by Mirna Valerio

The apple doesn’t fall far from the frozen apple tree. Does that even work as a metaphor? Because apple trees don’t freeze, right? Ok, well you know what I mean. My mother loves the cold weather.

Warranty team member inspecting a returned sock
Here in VT · Lifetime Guarantee ·
What Really Happens When You Warranty Your Socks?
by Darn Tough Vermont

We still get people messaging us all the time asking: ‘Is it legit?’ and ‘Can I really send my socks back after 5 years and exchange them for a new pair?’ The short answer is, yes, of course you can. 

A skier and a snowboarder seated on tailgate comparing socks from darn tough
How-to · Snow Sports · Sock 101 ·
How to Choose the Right Socks for Skiing and Snowboarding
by Darn Tough Vermont
From boots to helmet, by the time you get on the mountain, it could seem like you’re swimming in gear. You might be wondering; do I need ski socks? Or maybe, what are the best ski socks? Let's dive into it. 
Jake Blauvelt at Bolton Valley Resort wearing the Darn Tough Backwoods Snow Socks
Run & Athletic ·
Why You Should Wear Padded Socks for Extreme Sports
by Michael Seigies

In the state of Vermont, we love our extreme sports. It’s a special thing when you can find different ways to make the mountains your playground. But though these sports are fun, we often come home with bruised and battered legs, especially from the knee down. This is where padded socks come in.

A bride's and groom's feet, both in Darn Tough Socks
Community ·
Marriage Advice from a Pair of Darn Tough Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

Nancy from Texas reached out with the wedding toast she wrote for her son and now daughter-in-law. Turns out, her son won the first race he ever ran in Darn Tough socks. And her wedding present to the newlyweds? You guessed it.

Hiker pulling on boots over purple hiking socks
Hiking · Sock 101 ·
Why You Should Wear Hiking Socks
by Owen Rachampbell
One of the principal rules of hiking, especially multiple-day outings, is to take care of your feet. This means keeping your feet dry, warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather with no sock slipping or bunching. The question is, do you need hiking socks to do that?
Pro skier Michelle Parker skinning up to do some backcountry skiing
How-to · Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Backcountry Skiing Tips: From Ascent to Après with Michelle Parker
by Darn Tough Vermont

Look at those lift lines! Let’s go backcountry skiing! But wait…there are some things to know before you go. Before you decide to hike up a mountain, there are a few things that can help keep you and others safe and make your adventure more enjoyable.